Transfer Spree? Lid lifted on Sunderland’s summer business

It’s no secret that Sunderland are in need of a number of signings. The summer has seen them lose a number of players to rival Premier League clubs, such as Jack Colback to Newcastle and Craig Gardner to West Brom. This has left them with a weakened squad that is in need of much strengthening before the start of the season in August.

Gus Poyet seems fully aware of that and has now set the club a deadline of next Wednesday to sign four new players. The Chronicle quotes the manager as saying that he believes deals to bring new players into the club are close, but that he needs them in quickly if he is to have a successful season.

“It’s clear we need a few new players and it has not been as quick as I would have expected.
“One or two they are close, but if you asked me last week I would say those two were close too. I cannot wait another week.

“We are going to be off Monday and Tuesday, so next Wednesday I need to have four new players.”

While Sunderland have already brought a variety of players to The Stadium of Light earlier in the transfer window, they were all free agents. The recent signing of Patrick van Aanholt is Sunderland’s only transfer that has required a fee and fans are becoming increasingly frustrated that little business is being done.

The Black Cats have been linked with a number of players over the last few weeks. Most prominently, they made a reported bid of £14 million for Liverpool striker Fabio Borini. Although the club accepted the bid, negotiations with the player have stumbled without any either party coming to an agreement.

They have also shown interest in signing Marcos Alonso who spent last season on loan at the club and put in impressive performances during vital games. Another player who is a target for the Wearside club is Atletico Madrid’s midfielder Christian Rodriguez.